Envelop and like fastener.



F. J. HODGSON. ENVELOP AND LIKE FASTENER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 31,1918.

Patented July 28, 1914.

WW CQ W wfil UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK JOSEPH HODGSON, OF L ONDON,ENGLAND ENVELOP AND LIKE FASTENER.

To all whom it may concern: 1

Be it known that I, FREDERICK Josiirii Honoson, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at London, England, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Envelop and Like Fasteners, of which the following is a specification.

The object of the present invention is to provide a fastener which may be used for securing parcels, documents, or the like, but is particularly adapted for use with envelops, whereby opening of the envelop without mutilation thereof, by unauthorized persons, is rendered impossible, and also by means of which accidental opening, due, for example, to the failure of the gum to retain the en velop flap in the closed position, prcvented.

The fastener, according to the present invention, comprises a former or anvil having a cutting edge, and a plate integral with said former, and provided with clenching means, such as spikes, the arrangement being such that the former can be readily passed throughthe part of the envelop to which the flap is to be secured, and the plate can then be bent into superposition with the former,- so that on the application of pressure its" spikes are forced through the material of the envelop and co-act with the former, which bends them in such a manner that the flap and the other adjacent material of the envelop are clenched together to effect a secure closure of the envelop.

The invention also comprises the particular construction, combination, and arrangement of parts as hereinafter described.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a perspective view of one form of fastener. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section corresponding to F 1. Fig. 3 is a plan of a slightly modified form of fastener, Fig. 4 being a longitudinal section thereof. Figs. 5 and 6 are plans of further modifications. Fig. 7 is a view showing an envelop flap secured by means of one of the fasteners, Fig. 8 being a section on the line X-X Fig. 7. 'Figs. 9 and 10 are sectional. elevations illustrating two positions of the fastener in, its application to an envelop.

In carrying out the invention according to one form, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the fastener, consisting of a former 0, provided With a cutting edge d, and a sharp point a,

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 31, 1913.

Patented J uly28, 1914.

Serial No. 771,125.

intended to facilitate the insertion. of the former c, into an envelop, the point a, being preferably curved as indicated in Fig. 2. .In use the envelop f, Figs. 9 and 10, is first sealedin the usual way and is placed in a flat position. The point a, of the fastener is then forced in the direction of the flap through that part of the envelop to which the flap is secured. Owing to the cutting edges (1, the former 0, can then be completely forced into the envelop. The plate I), is then bent into superposition with the former a, as indicated in Fig. 10. Pressure is then applied to the plate I), so that the spikes e, are forced through the flap and adjoining material of the envelop into engagement with the formers, by which they are bent to effect a clenching of the flap to the material ofthe envelop.

In the form of fastener shown in Figs. 3

and the former c, is provided with an annular depression 0, surrounding a central convexity /1. By these means the spikes 6, when they are forced into engagement with the former (1, first meet the curved surface f], by which they are slightly bent and guided into the bottom of the annular depression 0'. They are then bent again into engagement with the convexity Ii, which guides and bench; them outwardly until they engage with the plate I), which finally bends their points over as indicated in Fig.1(). In this way a series of bends are produced in the spikes e, thus effecting a double clenching. In the form indicated in Figs. 3 and t the neck 1', is provided with a slight depression to facilitate the bending of the plate 6, into super jiosition with the former c.

The forms of fasteners indicated in l igs. and (3 only ditl'cr from that shown in [*igs. and t in the shape of the plate 7). In Fig. it is shown of circular form and with a plain exterior, while in Fig. (i it is shown ornamented.

It will be understood that the shape of the plate 7), can be varied to suit the taste of the user, for instance it may be provided with the seal or initials of the user.

From the foregoing it will be seen that in the application of the fastener one or more of the spikes may be adapted to pass through the flap, and one or more through the portion to which the flap is to be secured, or all of the spikes may pass through the flap only, while again all of the spikes may be adapted to pass through both surfaces, the method of fastening mainly depending upon the shape of the envelop.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular shape of any part of the fastener, for example, more than one depression may be provided, neither is it limited. to any particular material for manufacturing same, while further it must be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited in its application to envelops, but may be employed, for example, for securing together parcels, documents, or for similar purposes.

I claim:

1. A fastener for an envelop comprising a former having a curved pointed extended cutting edge, the former having an integral plate-provided with extended prongs, whereby the pointed cutting edge may be driven through an envelop and the fastener bent upon itself to cause the former to engage and bend the prongs to seal said envelop and to embed the curved pointed extended cutter in the envelop.

2. A fastener for envelops, comprising a former, having a cutting edge to facilitate entry into an envelop, and a plate integral with said former and adapted to be bent into and into engagement with the central convexity and then by the latter toward and into engagement with the aforesaid plate for the purpose ofproducing a double clench, substantially as hereinbefore set forth.

3. A fastener for envelops, comprising a former having a curved. pointed extended cutting edge and an annular depression, the former having, an integral neck and a plate extended therefrom, said plate having a plurality of extended spikes, said neck having means to facilitate bending, the spikes engaging in and. bent by the annular depression when the former and plate are bent toward each other, substantially as hereinbefore set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification. in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

' FREDERICK JOSEPH HODGSON.

l/Vitnesses ETHEL CHAPMAN, MINNIE BROWN.

(topics of this patent may be obtained for five cents each,,by addressing the, Commissioner of Patents, Washington, 10. Q. 

